PRESS RELEASE

“Telling Tales”
1-24 June 2007

If you like figurative art that is deeply stylish, seriously fun and with more than a touch of ambiguity, then this is a must-see show, a highlight for 2007. Expect the unexpected!

We are pleased to present our two person exhibition for June 2007 entitled Telling Tales, with paintings by Nicola Slattery and sculptures by Paul Smith. We have chosen to combine their works in a single show because their artworks share a love of exploring relationships, especially the all important relationship with nature. In their highly individual narrative styles, both artists provide humorous and sometimes shocking twists to stories old, new and invented. Events take surprising turns in vignettes and stories involving people and animals, nothing can be taken for granted!

"At a time when so much contemporary art is meaningless, self absorbed, visually dull, it is a joy to see the work of Paul Smith and Nicola Slattery. They celebrate a largeness of spirit, an innocence and a delight in the infinite possibilities of being human.  This is magical art, pure, humorous and strong.”  

Sister Wendy Beckett

Paul Smith’s figurative sculptures are based on the re-interpretation of fairytales and folklore. Red Riding Hood revealed as a femme-fatale? Will Goldilocks finally learn her lesson? Exciting grown-up contemporary twists to familiar fables.

In a world obsessed with analysis and interpretation, especially in relation to art, Slattery does not want to draw us into ready made answers. She creates images which lend serenity and thoughtfulness while allowing meaning to emerge for the viewer themselves.

The walls of the gallery will be hung exclusively with Nicola’s paintings, and the large gallery floor space and plinths will be occupied by Paul’s sculptures. The artists have produced work using a collaborative method whereby Smith has selected a painting by Slattery and interpreted it as a sculpture, and Nicola has reinvented one of Paul’s sculptures as a painting.  These works will all be exhibited together.

The interpretation is ultimately left up to the viewer by both artists, as each piece works on more than one level in their sideways look at life. As the viewer you are taken to the point of departure by the artist, but where you then travel in your imagination is entirely up to you!

The exhibition will run from 1 – 24 June  2007 at 6 Trinity Street, Cambridge, CB2 1SU.  Open Mon – Sat 9.00 – 5.30 pm, Sundays 11-4pm.  Admission is free.